Explosives simulation apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for simulating an explosive is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container including a powder for simulating an explosive plume, wherein the container bursts when gas is introduced into the container. The apparatus further includes a canister including pressurized gas, the canister coupled with the container so as to expel gas into the container when the canister is breached. The apparatus further includes a pyrotechnic coupled with the canister so as to breach the canister and produce an audible noise when the pyrotechnic is activated. In one alternative the apparatus includes a mechanical or electrical trigger that activates the pyrotechnic.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/647,243 filed on Jan. 26, 2005 andentitled “Security Forces Simulation Training System and Method.” U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/647,243 is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to simulation of explosives, and moreparticularly to the use of explosives simulation in military training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Military organizations use a variety military training techniques toinstill skills into their members. One of the most effective types ofmilitary training is realistic training, otherwise known as war games.This type of training simulates actual combat scenarios and allows theparticipants to undergo a realistic combat experience. War games usuallyinvolve actual deployments of troops and vehicles into a limited areaand include all of the movement and action that takes place during areal combat scenario but typically without the danger of live ordinanceand ammunition. There has been a move, however, towards more realistictraining that involves simulated ordinance, explosions and fired shots.

The U.S. military has implemented the Multiple Integrated LaserEngagement System (MILES) as a military training system that provides arealistic battlefield environment for soldiers involved in trainingexercises. MILES provides tactical engagement simulation for direct fireforce-on-force trailing using eye safe laser “bullets.” Each individualand vehicle in the training exercise has a detection system to sensehits and perform casualty assessment. Laser transmitters are attached toeach individual and vehicle weapon system and accurately replicateactual ranges and lethality of the specific weapon systems. MILEStraining has been proven to dramatically increase the combat readinessand fighting effectiveness of military forces.

Soldiers use MILES devices primarily during force-on-force exercises,from squad through brigade level, to simulate the firing and effects ofactual weapons systems. These weapons systems include the M1 AbramsTank, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, M113 Armored Personnel Carrier,wheeled vehicles and other non-shooting targets. Additionally, basicMILES simulations address anti-armor weapons, machine guns, rifles, andother ancillary items, such as a controller gun, within the program.Combat vehicles, support vehicles and individual solders areinstrumented with a GPS receiver for position location determination anda transmitter for sending all recorded data back to central command. Allplayer activity is recorded during an exercise. Position location, anddirect and indirect fire event reporting is accomplished through theassociated transmitter.

One of the ways in which MILES training can be made to appear morerealistic is through the use of simulated explosions and shots fired.Various approaches to this need have emerged. One approach to this needuses a pyrotechnical device that includes an explosive such as gunpowder. The explosive is triggered by a MILES component, therebyproducing a small but dangerous explosion that includes a fierydischarge, a loud noise and air percussion that can be felt. Althoughthis approach provides a realistic explosive experience, it provides asafety risk associated with the proximity of a person to fire, a smallexplosion and air percussion, any of which can cause serious injury to aperson.

Another approach to the need for realistic explosives uses a containerfilled with a powder such as talcum powder, which container is burstopen by a mechanical or electrical system that is triggered by a MILEScomponent. The burst makes an audible sound that simulates a shot or anexplosion and the escaping powder creates a plume that simulates smoke.The mechanical or electrical system may include a spring-powered triggerand may include a gas canister having pressurized carbon dioxide withinit. When the gas canister is breached, the escaping gas provides theimpetus necessary to burst open the container holding the powder,thereby expelling the powder, emanating a sound and creating a powderplume. One problem with this approach is that the mechanical orelectrical system used to trigger the expulsion of the gas or powderoften does not have enough force to either breach the gas canister(which is typically made of a light metal such as aluminum) or thecontainer holding the powder. This can lead to mis-fires or dud bombsthat never detonate. As such, this reduces the realism of a trainingexercise and defeats the purpose of having a simulated explosive.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above, and particularly for a more efficient and safe way forsimulating explosives during training exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus for simulating an explosive is disclosed. The apparatusincludes a container including a powder for simulating an explosiveplume, wherein the container bursts when gas is introduced into thecontainer. The apparatus further includes a canister includingpressurized gas, the canister coupled with the container so as to expelgas into the container when the canister is breached. The apparatusfurther includes a pyrotechnic coupled with the canister so as to breachthe canister and produce an audible noise when the pyrotechnic isactivated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus forsimulating an explosive is disclosed. The apparatus includes a containerincluding a powder for simulating an explosive plume, wherein thecontainer bursts when gas is introduced into the container and acanister including pressurized gas, the canister coupled with thecontainer so as to expel gas into the container when the canister isbreached. The apparatus further includes a firing pin coupled with thecanister so as to breach the canister when the firing pin is forced intothe canister and a pyrotechnic coupled with the firing pin so as toforce the firing pin into the canister when the pyrotechnic isactivated. The apparatus further includes a housing assembly for holdingthe firing adjacent to the pyrotechnic and the firing pin adjacent tothe canister.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a combat simulationsystem is disclosed. The combat simulation system further includes anapparatus for simulating an explosive. The apparatus includes acontainer including a powder for simulating an explosive plume, whereinthe container bursts when gas is introduced into the container and acanister including pressurized gas, the canister coupled with thecontainer so as to expel gas into the container when the canister isbreached. The apparatus further includes a pyrotechnic coupled with thecanister so as to breach the canister and produce an audible noise whenthe pyrotechnic is activated. The apparatus further includes anelectronic receiver for receiving a signal for activating thepyrotechnic. The combat simulation system further includes a transmitterfor sending a signal to the apparatus for activating the pyrotechnic.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features and also theadvantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Additionally, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies thedrawing in which the reference number first appears.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system architecture of aconventional radio-controlled military simulation system.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing an outdoors implementation of theconventional radio-controlled military simulation system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the simulated explosive device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device, in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an inexpensive, safe and user-friendlyapparatus for simulating an explosive. The apparatus includes acontainer including a non-toxic and user-safe powder for simulating anexplosive plume, wherein the container bursts when gas is introducedinto the container. The breaching of the container cannot causeinjuries. The apparatus further includes a pressurized gas canisterwherein the canister is coupled with the container so as to expel gasinto the container when the canister is breached. The gas used in thecanister is user-safe carbon dioxide and the breaching of the canistercannot cause injuries. The apparatus further includes a pyrotechniccoupled with the canister so as to breach the canister and produce anaudible noise when the pyrotechnic is activated. The pyrotechnicprovides the force necessary to breach the necessary elements of thesimulated explosive device, while providing a non-lethal explosion thatemits a loud sound and a visual plume.

The features of the present invention are advantageous as they allow forthe creation of a realistic explosion while keeping the simulation safefor players. The present invention is further beneficial as it allowsfor the inexpensive production of the simulated explosive device andeasy detonation of the device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system architecture of aconventional radio-controlled military simulation system 100. Theradio-controlled military simulation system 100 includes a plurality ofvehicles 102, 104 through 106, such as tanks, jeeps, armored personnelcarriers and heavy hauling equipment. The radio-controlled militarysimulation system 100 further includes a plurality of individuals 112,114 through 116, representing soldiers and other individualsparticipating in the simulation. Each vehicle 102, 104, 106 andindividual 112, 114 and 116 in the simulation system can interact witheach other as well as with the central controller 110, which controlsvarious aspects of the simulation via radio communication and recordssimulation information. The central controller 110 includes a radiocommunication system, as well as a computer network capable of trackingmultiple participating entities, controlling various aspects of gameplay and storing various types of information regarding, the simulation.

As explained above, each vehicle 102, 104, 106 and individual 112, 114and 116 can be outfitted with a mobile simulation unit that can receiveand transmit signals, infrared (IR) signals and radio frequency (RF)signals, for example, such as in the MILES simulation system used by theU.S. military for realistic combat training. The central controller 110is further able to communicate with the vehicles 102-106 and individuals112-116 via RF and IR signals. IR signals are typically used to indicateto a mobile simulation unit that the receiver has been injured, killedor otherwise compromised. RF signals are typically used to send amessage or other information among mobile simulation units and/or thecentral controller 110. The MILES simulation system, for example,operates a 285-350 MHz or a 2.4 GHz RF communication system with a rangeof 10 km over a 20 km squared area.

RF signals can be used to exchange information among mobile simulationunits during a simulation. For example, during game play mobilesimulation units on individuals 112, 114 and 116 can each broadcast apersonal identification (PID) code to indicate the identification of theplayer. Vehicles 102, 104 and 106 may also broadcast PIDs. In thismanner, the central controller 110 may keep up to date on the locationsand status of each vehicle 102-106 and player 112-116 in the simulation.The central controller 110 may also send various types of messages toentities participating in the simulation, such as a system command thatresets the simulation or a game command that orders an entity to die orbecome resurrected.

A mobile simulation unit can send out an IR signal when, for example, aplayer 112 or a vehicle 102 fires a weapon. IR signals are suitable forline-of-sight simulation and are therefore used to simulate weaponsfiring. The transmission of an IR signal during firing of a weapon caninclude the PID of the firing entity, a weapon code indicating the typeof weapon used and an injury code indicating the type of injury thatwould be sustained by the receiving entity in such a situation.

A mobile simulation unit may also include a GPS device that comprises aGPS receiver and processor that receives signals from the GPS satellitesand calculates the global position of the device, typically in terms ofa latitude and longitude. The mobile simulation unit may then transmitover RF to the central controller 110 or other players the positioncalculated by the GPS device. It should be noted that although FIG. 1shows only three vehicles 102-106 and three individuals 102-106, aconventional radio-controlled military simulation system 100 maytypically support high numbers (sometimes thousands) of entitiesparticipating in the simulation.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing an outdoors implementation 200 of theconventional radio-controlled military simulation system 100 of FIG. 1.The radio-controlled military simulation system 200 includes thevehicles 102, 104 (tanks in this example) and individuals 112, 114(soldiers on foot) participating in the simulation. FIG. 2 further showsthe central controller 110, which controls various aspects of thesimulation via radio communications.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 300, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the simulatedexplosive device 300 of the present invention, used for creating anaudible noise and expelling powder into the atmosphere to create apowder plume simulating an explosion. The simulated explosive device 300includes a container 310 holding a simulation powder 312, such as talcumpowder or any other lightweight non-toxic powder sufficient for creatinga simulated explosive plume when expelled quickly into the atmosphere.The container 310 may be composed of a lightweight material such asplastic, a light metal alloy, aluminum, composite materials or any othermaterial suitable for holding the simulation powder 312 and breachingwhen over-pressurized. A portion 314 of the container 310 is designatedas the breachable section of container 310 and breaches when thecontainer 310 is over-pressurized.

The simulated explosive device 300 further includes a percussion cap 302which comprises a small container including an explosive powder 304 suchas standard gun powder. The simulated explosive device 300 furtherincludes a weakened wall 305 between the percussion cap 302 and thecontainer 310 holding the simulation powder 312. The percussion cap 302includes an area 306 into which a trigger hammer or other percussionelement may strike the percussion cap 302, thereby causing the explosivepowder 304 to detonate and breach the weakened wall 305, thereby causingthe container 310 to over-pressurize and breach portion 314, therebycausing simulation powder 312 to be expelled quickly into the atmosphereand creating a simulated explosive plume.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 400, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the simulatedexplosive device 400 of the present invention, also used for creating anaudible noise and expelling powder into the atmosphere to create apowder plume simulating an explosion. The simulated explosive device 400includes a cartridge 420 holding pressurized gas, such as a commerciallyavailable twelve gram cartridge composed of aluminum and holdingpressurized carbon dioxide gas. The cartridge 420 includes an area 422into which a trigger hammer or other percussion element may strike thecartridge 420.

The simulated explosive device 400 further includes a firing pin 424with a sharpened element that is pointed in the direction of area 422into which the firing pin 424 may strike the cartridge 420 and breachit. Also shown is a spring 426 which keeps the firing pin 424 away fromthe cartridge 420 when the simulated explosive device 400 is in a restmode and has not been activated.

The simulated explosive device 400 further includes a percussion cap 402which comprises a small container including an explosive powder 404 suchas standard gun powder. The simulated explosive device 400 furtherincludes a weakened wall 405 between the percussion cap 402 and thefiring pin 424. The percussion cap 402 includes an area 406 into which atrigger hammer or other percussion element may strike the percussion cap402, thereby causing the explosive powder 404 to detonate and breach theweakened wall 405, thereby causing the firing pin 424 to strike the area422 of the cartridge 420, thereby causing the cartridge 420 to breachand expel its pressurized contents quickly, creating an audible noise.

FIG. 4 also shows a housing 430 for holding the cartridge 420 in placeadjacent to the firing pin 424 and a housing 432 for holding the firingpin 424 in place adjacent to the cartridge 420. The housing 430 and 432are coupled to each other, as well as to housing 434, which alsoincludes a threaded bore 436 to allow a separate element to be screwedinto it.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 500, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the simulatedexplosive device 400 of FIG. 4 together with an added component 502,also used for creating an audible noise and expelling powder into theatmosphere to create a powder plume simulating an explosion.

The simulated explosive device 500 includes a container 504 holding asimulation powder 506, such as talcum powder or any other lightweightnon-toxic powder sufficient for creating a simulated explosive plumewhen expelled quickly into the atmosphere. The container 504 may becomposed of a lightweight material such as plastic, a light metal alloy,aluminum, composite materials or any other material suitable for holdingthe simulation powder 506 and breaching when over-pressurized. Inexample, the container 504 is a commercially available plastic two litercontainer with an end 508 that includes threads 510. It is shown thatend 508 is screwed, using threads 510, into threaded bore 436 of housing434. When the cartridge 420 is breached, it expels its pressurizedcontents quickly into container 504, creating an audible noise, therebycausing the container 504 to over-pressurize and breach, thereby causingsimulation powder 506 to be expelled quickly into the atmosphere andcreating a simulated explosive plume.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 600, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the simulatedexplosive device 600 (similar to simulated explosive device 400 of FIG.4) of the present invention, used for creating an audible noise andexpelling powder into the atmosphere to create a powder plume simulatingan explosion. Simulated explosive device 600 differs from simulatedexplosive device 400 in that device 600 includes the simulation powderwithin it, wherein device 400 does not.

The simulated explosive device 600 includes a cartridge 620 holdingpressurized gas and a cartridge 620 that includes an area 622 into whicha trigger hammer or other percussion element may strike the cartridge620. The simulated explosive device 600 further includes a firing pin624 with a sharpened element that is pointed in the direction of area622 into which the firing pin 624 may strike the cartridge 620 andbreach it. Also shown is a spring 626 which keeps the firing pin 624away from the cartridge 620 when the simulated explosive device 600 isin a rest mode and has not been activated.

The simulated explosive device 600 further includes a percussion cap 602which comprises a small container including an explosive powder 604. Thesimulated explosive device 600 further includes a weakened wall 605between the percussion cap 602 and the firing pin 624. The percussioncap 602 includes an area 606 into which a trigger hammer or otherpercussion element may strike the percussion cap 602, thereby causingthe explosive powder 604 to detonate and breach the weakened wall 605,thereby causing the firing pin 624 to strike the area 622 of thecartridge 620, thereby causing the cartridge 620 to breach and expel itspressurized contents quickly, creating an audible noise.

FIG. 6 also shows a housing 630 for holding the cartridge 620 in placeadjacent to the firing pin 624 and a housing 632 for holding the firingpin 624 in place adjacent to the cartridge 620. The housing 630 and 632are coupled to each other, as well as to housing 634, which alsoincludes a space 636 for holding a simulation powder 638. The housing634 may be composed of a lightweight material such as plastic, a lightmetal alloy, aluminum, composite materials or any other materialsuitable for holding the simulation powder 638 and breaching whenover-pressurized.

When the cartridge 620 is breached, it expels its pressurized contentsquickly into space 636, creating an audible noise, thereby causing thehousing 634 to over-pressurize and breach, thereby causing simulationpowder 638 to be expelled quickly into the atmosphere and creating asimulated explosive plume. Simulated explosive device 600 also includesan electrical contact 640 coupled to housing 634 for providingelectrical detonation of the device 600.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 1100, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows the simulatedexplosive device 1100 (similar to simulated explosive device 600) of thepresent invention, also used for creating an audible noise and expellingpowder into the atmosphere to create a powder plume simulating anexplosion. The simulated explosive device 1100 differs from simulatedexplosive device 600 in that device 1100 includes additional element,namely, light emitting devices (LEDs) 1110, 1108.

When firing pin 624 of simulated explosive device 600 is fired, a switchcontact 1102 is activated, thereby causing LED batteries 1104 to powerLED driver 1106 and light up visible LED 1108 and IR LED 1110. VisibleLED 1108 lights up the simulated explosive plume created by simulatedexplosive device 600 so as to add a visual element to the explosivesimulation. IR LED 1110 emits an IR signal which interacts with playersin the simulation and may cause, for example, players to be killed orinjured in the simulation. Window 112 protects LEDs 1108 and 1110.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of simulated explosive device 600 of FIG. 6.FIG. 7 shows the percussion cap 602, the housing 632, the firing pin624, the spring 626, the cartridge 620, the housing 630, the housing 634and the electrical contact 640.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 800, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows the simulatedexplosive device 800 of the present invention, also used for creating anaudible noise and expelling powder into the atmosphere to create apowder plume simulating an explosion. The simulated explosive device 800includes a percussion cap 802 which comprises a small containerincluding an explosive powder and a weakened wall 805 facing thecontainer 804 including powder 806. The percussion cap 802 includes anarea into which a trigger hammer or other percussion element may strikethe percussion cap 802, thereby causing the explosive powder to detonateand breach the weakened wall.

The simulated explosive device 800 further includes a container 804holding a simulation powder 806. The container 804 may include an end808 that includes threads. It is shown that end 808 is screwed, usingthreads, into a threaded bore of housing 834. When the percussion cap802 detonates, it expels its pressurized contents quickly into container804, creating an audible noise, thereby causing the container 804 toover-pressurize and breach, thereby causing simulation powder 806 to beexpelled quickly into the atmosphere and creating a simulated explosiveplume.

The simulated explosive device 800 further includes a solenoid 850 thatmay be activated by an electrical contact 852 or a trigger spring 854that may be activated mechanically such as via a trip wire. The solenoid850 may further activate the trigger 856, which was cocked back usingthe cocking lever 860. Once activated, the trigger 856 may lunge forwardusing the spring force from hammer spring 862, so as to strike thepercussion cap 802 and set off the chain of events described above.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 900, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the simulatedexplosive device 900 (similar to simulated explosive device 800) of thepresent invention, also used for creating an audible noise and expellingpowder into the atmosphere to create a powder plume simulating anexplosion. The simulated explosive device 900 differs from simulatedexplosive device 800 in that device 900 also includes the simulatedexplosive device 500 from FIG. 5.

The simulated explosive device 900 includes a solenoid 950 that may beactivated by an electrical contact 952 or a trigger spring 954 that maybe activated mechanically such as via a trip wire. The solenoid 950 mayfurther activate the trigger 956, which was cocked back using thecocking lever 960. Once activated, the trigger 956 may lunge forwardusing the spring force from hammer spring 962, so as to strike thepercussion cap 402 of the simulated explosive device 500 and set off thechain of events described above.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a simulated explosive device 100, in oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the simulatedexplosive device 1000 (similar to simulated explosive device 900) of thepresent invention, also used for creating an audible noise and expellingpowder into the atmosphere to create a powder plume simulating anexplosion. The simulated explosive device 1000 differs from simulatedexplosive device 900 in that device 1000 also includes an additionalelement 1002, which is an all-encompassing shell that mimics a combatartillery shell. Element 1002 shows a cross section of the device whileelement 1004 shows a complete view of the device.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed,those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes canbe made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to berestricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments. Furthermore, it isintended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications,modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the presentinvention.

1. An apparatus for simulating an explosive, comprising: a containerincluding a powder for simulating an explosive plume, wherein thecontainer bursts when gas is introduced into the container; a canisterincluding pressurized gas, the canister coupled with the container so asto expel gas into the container when the canister is breached; and apyrotechnic coupled with the canister so as to breach the canister andproduce an audible noise when the pyrotechnic is activated.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a housing assembly for holdingthe canister adjacent to the pyrotechnic so as to allow the pyrotechnicto breach the canister and produce an audible noise when the pyrotechnicis activated.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a meansfor fastening the container to the housing so as to allow the canisterto expel gas into the container when the canister is breached.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a mechanical trigger thatactivates the pyrotechnic coupled with the canister.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the container comprises a two-liter volume plasticcontainer.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the canister comprises atwelve-gram cartridge filled with carbon dioxide gas.
 7. The apparatusof claim 6, wherein the pyrotechnic is a miniature percussion cap filledwith gun powder.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: alight for emitting visible light and illuminating powder expelled fromthe container when the container is breached by gas expelled from thecanister.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: an infraredemitter for emitting infrared light when the container is breached bygas expelled from the canister.
 10. An apparatus for simulating anexplosive, comprising: a container including a powder for simulating anexplosive plume, wherein the container bursts when gas is introducedinto the container; a canister including pressurized gas, the canistercoupled with the container so as to expel gas into the container whenthe canister is breached; a firing pin coupled with the canister so asto breach the canister when the firing pin is forced into the canister;a pyrotechnic coupled with the firing pin so as to force the firing pininto the canister when the pyrotechnic is activated; and a housingassembly for holding the firing adjacent to the pyrotechnic and thefiring pin adjacent to the canister.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,further comprising: a means for fastening the container to the housingso as to allow the canister to expel gas into the container when thecanister is breached.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:a mechanical trigger that activates the pyrotechnic.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12, further comprising: an electrical trigger that activatesthe mechanical trigger, thereby activating the pyrotechnic.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a light for emitting visiblelight and illuminating powder expelled from the container when thecontainer is breached by gas expelled from the canister.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, further comprising: an infrared emitter foremitting infrared light when the container is breached by gas expelledfrom the canister.
 16. A combat simulation system, comprising: anapparatus for simulating an explosive, comprising: a container includinga powder for simulating an explosive plume, wherein the container burstswhen gas is introduced into the container; a canister includingpressurized gas, the canister coupled with the container so as to expelgas into the container when the canister is breached; a pyrotechniccoupled with the canister so as to breach the canister and produce anaudible noise when the pyrotechnic is activated; and an electronicreceiver for receiving a signal for activating the pyrotechnic, and atransmitter for sending a signal to the apparatus for activating thepyrotechnic.
 17. The combat simulation system of claim 16, wherein theelectronic receiver further includes: a mechanical trigger coupled withthe electronic receiver, wherein the electronic receiver activates themechanical trigger which then activates the pyrotechnic.
 18. The combatsimulation system of claim 16, the apparatus further comprising: a lightfor emitting visible light and illuminating powder expelled from thecontainer when the container is breached.
 19. The combat simulationsystem of claim 18, the apparatus further comprising: an infraredemitter for emitting infrared light when the container is breached. 20.The combat simulation system of claim 18, the apparatus furthercomprising: an infrared emitter for emitting infrared light when thecontainer is breached, wherein the infrared emitter interacts withindividuals participating in the combat simulation system.